In this episode, Rob and Don team do an international team-up with Tim Finn and Jesse Farrell of Hub Comics of Somerville, Mass. to expose the true nature of owning a comic shop in this modern age. Thrill as the intrepid foursome discuss the perils of pissing off your comic reading audience. Gasp as Tim and Jesse expose the hidden side behind the counter at Hub Comics and what really goes on when the doors close. Shudder as the true reading habits of comic shop denizens are laid bare for your eyes to behold. All this, and more references to Persepolis than you can count, are waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs!

In this episode, Don and Rob sit down with Taiwanese writer Julia Chien to discuss the past, present and future of Taiwanese comic books. Along the way, they talk about comic codes, what life for comics artists was like under military rule, and why many of Taiwan’s best and brightest artists are working in the Korean market. All this, and why the Taipei suburb of Beitou was once believed to be filled with witches and demons, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down to discuss Rob’s new book- Write! Shonen Manga. The pair discuss the history of Shonen manga, the different types and meta-genres, and how the Japanese approach writing stories differently than Americans do. All this, and Rob shamelessly hawking his book, are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don plunge into the vast history of American comic books and try to make sense of it all. The pair explore the origins of the first comic books, and how the name Gains changed the comic book world not once, but twice! Then they face the challenge of the superheros as Superman’s birth brings about a new age, both in comic books and real life. Finally, they talk about the current comic market, and what flagging sales mean for Marvel and DC’s future. All this, and Brother Power the Geek, is waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don finish their discussion of the History of Japanese Comics. Starting in the 1980’s, they discuss the rise and fall of Shonen Jump, how Dragonball changed everything, and how modern manga have been influenced by animation. All this, and Bakuman, in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by comic book creator and founder of Antarctic Press, Ben Dunn. The three of them sit and chat about Ben’s long career in comics, how Antarctic Press came to be, and the ups and downs of running a comic book company. Along the way, Ben gives great advice about succeeding as an artist both in and outside the comics field and discusses the secrets to AP’s longevity and success. All this and a heaping helping of Ninja High School can be found in this, the 31st episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with guest Jack Ward to discuss what it means to be a nerd. The trio discuss exactly what nerds are, where they came from, and whether nerds as a concept is even still relevant in modern culture. All this, and why The Nutty Professor was the great nerd hero of the 20th century are waiting for you in this episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don sit down with comedian Kevin Doak to discuss comedy and the nerdly arts. The trio debate which superhero you want to have over for dinner, why the Walking Dead needs more laughs, and the depressed turnout of Batman v. Superman. All this, and why Shawn of the Dead is the most realistic zombie movie ever, is waiting for you in this, the 25th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

In this episode, Rob and Don are joined by their friend Chad to discuss 20 years of Pokemon! They discuss how and why the phenomena has lasted so long, the origins of the game, and why a dark Pokemon movie is inevitable. All this, and a heaping helping of Nerd Rage is waiting for you in this, the 12th episode of the Department of Nerdly Affairs.

About Us

The Department of Nerdly Affairs is a bi-weekly talk podcast dedicated to exploring different aspects of nerdly arts and culture. Together bringing over 80 years of experience to the table, the hosts, Rob and Don, try to take a seasoned, knowledgeable, and real-world approach to looking at the creation of nerd culture and the forces shaping it. The podcast covers topics ranging from from film and comics to writing and history, and pretty much everything in between. If it's a hobby shared by few or by many, you can expect to hear it talked about by the Department of Nerdly Affairs. New episodes every second Friday!

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